Liable
By DAN LANGFORD
This word sounds like a term in connection with a debt instrument. In the South, we use it to mean “inclined or prone to do something that’s usually, but not always adverse.” It’s pronounced LYE-bel, and the following sentences illustrate its usage: “You’d better leave that dog alone. It’s liable to jump up and bite you.” Or, “Mama’s liable to cuss the paint off a wall since she’s gotten Alzheimer’s.” Or, “If you keep readin’ this blog, you’re liable to pick up a Southern phrase or two.”
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